The Impact of U. S. Foreign Policy on the Oromo National Struggle

Abstract

This chapter critically examines the impact of U.S. foreign policy on the Oromo national movement, focusing on its racist practices. The application of racist values to the Oromo issue by Ethiopian and U.S. foreign policy elites makes possible the economic exploitation and political oppression of Oromos and facilitates judgments and policy based upon stereotypes and unexamined, preconceived ideas about Oromos. Just as other Western and Eastern bloc countries discriminated against Oromos and other colonized nations in their dealings with Ethiopia, U.S. foreign policy elites and the U.S. government have approached the Oromo issue with a racist mind-set that serves its imperialist interests. This racist mind-set fosters institutional and individual discrimination by treating Oromos unfairly and undemocratically. It avoids critical investigation by introducing and accepting false information and by closing off options for either democratic policy making or finding solutions to the contradictions between Oromos and Habashas (Amharas and Tigrayanns).